Court told Slipper tried to take his life twice

PETER Slipper has tried to commit suicide twice, his marriage has broken down and he has been struggling with alcohol, his psychiatrist has revealed.

Speaking in the ACT Magistrates Court, Mr Slipper's Buderim psychiatrist Chris Martin revealed the full extent of how far the former Speaker of Federal Parliament and Member for Fisher has fallen since his humiliating defeat in the September election.

Mr Martin was submitting evidence in the case whether fraud charges against Mr Slipper should be dropped on mental health grounds.

He was unsuccessful in this bid, with the case set for a hearing on July 21.

The Australian reported Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker told the court that she did find Mr Slipper was mentally ill and suffering from a major depressive disorder.

This was despite Dr Martin revealing Mr Slipper's worrying state of mental health and the fact it was becoming clear his wife of eight years, Inge, had left him.

Mr Slipper has pleaded not guilty to the three charges he dishonestly used about $1000 worth of Cabcharge vouchers in 2010.

Mr Martin told how Mr Slipper has been a patient at a Queensland mental health facility on five separate occasions, most recently until June 10.

The Australian wrote Mr Slipper had told Dr Martin he planned on killing himself

after his last consultation on June 17. At that time James Ashby's case of alleged sexual harassment was still pending. It was dropped a day later.

Mr Slipper issued a rare statement after Mr Ashby dropped the case, saying he had been looking forward to fighting it in the court as he had always maintained his innocence.

He said he felt "vindicated" by Mr Ashby's decision to withdraw the case.

Ms Walker ruled late yesterday while the financial amounts were low in the fraud cause, Mr Slipper held "one of the most significant positions of trust in the country'' and if proven the charges were potentially significant.

Mr Slipper has not responded to the Daily's request for comment.

Anyone needing support or information about suicide prevention can call Lifeline on 131 144.